Dawn Casale and David Crofton of One Girl Cookies on Dessert Nostalgia: Interview Part 2

January 5, 2012

Dawn and Dave are bringing a little piece of Cobble Hill to DUMBO.Photo courtesy Dawn Casale and David Crofton

Yesterday we spoke with Dawn Casale and David Crofton, the owners of One Girl Cookies (68 Dean Street, 212-675-4996), about their new cookbook. Today they discuss nostalgic desserts and preview their new outpost, which will be located in DUMBO. And if you want to hear even more from the baking duo, don’t miss their events at BookCourt on January 11 at 7 p.m. and PowerHouse Arena on January 18 at 7 p.m.

Why do you think desserts have such an element of nostalgia?

Dave: It’s comfort. I have vivid memories of eating pies and chocolate chip cookies. It’s what you go back to. You want those familiar flavors when it’s cold out or you’re having a rough day. It’s great to treat yourself to something that gives you pleasure. It makes you feel a little free or indulgent.

Dawn: And with the climate now and with the tough times and people losing their jobs, people are allowing themselves that permission. Gain an extra pound; there’s a lot of worse things in the world.

In the book you talk about your family’s influence. What else influences you when you come up with your cookie creations?

Dawn: I’d say it’s the season. Not that apples are in season during this or that time, but the memories and feelings that the seasons evoke. Our holiday assortment involves nuts and spices and mint and the flavors that we attach to the memories of Christmas.

And what’s up with your new store? When is it going to open?

Dawn: As soon as possible. Realistically, at the end of January or early February.

Is it going to look like the flagship?

Dawn: There’s definitely a relationship between the two, and all the familiar elements like the wallpaper and the aqua blue [color scheme] will be there, but done in a different way. We’re trying to maintain our brand but also embrace our new neighborhood. What we’ll be serving will be almost identical, though.

Dave: DUMBO is so industrial and Cobble Hill is brownstone Brooklyn. We’re keeping the idea, but embracing the change in scenery.

Would you guys ever open a One Girl Cookies in Manhattan?

Dawn: Sure. We’ve explored the idea in a casual way, and if and when One Girl Cookies III would happen, we’re open to Manhattan.